Bhubaneswar:
The Maoists have sent an audio message to the Odisha government regarding the abducted BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka. Here is the full text of the message:
I am Aruna, speaking on behalf of AOBSZC spokesperson Jagabandhu:
The Praja Court is yet to take place. When the govt is taking so much time to take decisions we will also take our own time to convene the Praja Court.
The MLA is safe and is with us. He has not been released. The Praja Court will take the final decision about him and that also would take time.
We have given a Bandh call on 21st and 22nd of April. The people are vehemently opposing the state govt's offer and decisions. We will inform the media by the 25th of April about the final verdict of the Praja Court which will be held one of these days.
We have also decided to observe a protest week beginning 24 April to oppose Operation Greenhunt, recent heavy deployment of Central forces in Chhatisgarh